The post 9/11 GI Bill offers more than $49,000 in benefits for qualified military members and veterans, according to the military.com article, “20 Top FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) for the New GI Bill.” Knowing who’s eligible, however, can be challenging.
If a veteran served a minimum of 90 days on active duty after September 10, 2001, he may be eligible for the new GI Bill that went into effect August 1, 2009. The new bill basically covers active duty who served as an Armed Forces member or served as a call to order to active duty (National Guard and Reserve) member.
Qualifiers for the New GI Bill
According to the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, eligible applicants must have served a minimum of 30 continuous days on active duty after September 10, 2001. Qualified applicants who have not served 90 days after the qualifying date must be discharged due to a service-connected disability.
Applicants must also meet one of the following requirements:
- Be on active duty
- Honorably discharged from the Armed Forces
- Released with honorable service and place on the temporary disability retired duty list, the retired list, or transferred to the Fleet Reserve or Fleet Marine Corp Reserve
- Released with honorable service with further service in a reserve component
- Discharged or released from the Armed Forces for: Existed prior to service (ETPS)
- Hardship
Non-qualifiers for the New GI Bill
Some types and periods of active duty do not qualify for the post 9/11 GI Bill:
- Active Guard Reserve
- ROTC
- Service academy contract period
- Service terminated due to defective enlisted agreement
- Service used for loan repayment; and
- Selected reserve service to establish eligibility under the Montgomery GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill for selected reserve, or the Reserve Education Assistance Program.
Major Benefits of the New GI Bill
The three major benefits the post 9/11 GI Bill offers include up to 100 percent paid tuition, a monthly housing stipend, and an allotment of up to $1,000 for books and supplies for up to 36 months. Qualified individuals receive a lump sum the first month of each quarter, term or semester, according to the Department of Veteran Affairs.
The amount paid each term equals the fraction of the academic yearly allowance. Active duty members, attendees training at 1/2 times or less and attendees taking 100 percent distance learning classes do not qualify for the housing stipend.
Tuition Payments for the New GI Bill
Tuition and fee payments go directly to the college for all established charges. The cap for tuition and fee rates equals the most expensive in-state undergraduate (associates or bachelors level) public college. This does not mean veterans are limited to attending a public school. Applicants pay the difference between the GI bill allotment and the school's fees where the rates exceed GI bill funds.
Additional Benefits
- Tutorial assistance up to $100 a month – not to exceed a total of $1,200
- Reimbursement for one licensing and one certification test not exceeding the cost of the test up to a maximum of $2,000
- Work study for attendees training at 3/4 time or full time
Transfer the New GI Bill to Spouse and Other Dependents
The Department of Defense can authorize individuals who, on or after August 1, 2009, have served six years of active duty and agree to serve at least another four to transfer unused entitlements to their dependents (spouse, children), according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
To apply for the post 9/11 GI Bill, visit VA GI Bill website and click on the "Click HERE" button near the top of the page to apply online. Applicants who want a hardcopy mailed, or active duty members or veterans with specific questions regarding the new GI Bill can call 1-888-GI-Bill-1 (1-888-442-4551).
Military members and veterans serve their country to help Americans retain freedom. Benefits like the new GI Bill offer one way for the country to help service members attain a more promising civilian life.
Rose Smith - Rose Smith is a lifestyle expert, writer and floral designer. She is author of two books, 101 Ways To Date Your Mate: Hundreds of Fun and ...
